Tobacco-Free Since 2010

UW-Stout became completely tobacco-free on Sept. 1, 2010. This action was the result of two student referendums held by the Stout Student Association. In April 2009, students overwhelmingly supported a ban on smoking. In April 2010, students then voted to extend that ban to all tobacco products.

Based on the results of those two referendums and other information Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen decided that UW-Stout would become tobacco-free on Sept. 1, 2010.

A committee was established to work through the myriad issues that implementing the ban involves. These issues include, but are not limited to, enforcement, smoking cessation programs, communications and relations with neighbors and downtown businesses.

UW-Stout is now one of nearly 400 colleges and universities across the country to be either smoke or tobacco-free. It is the only four-year public university in Wisconsin to be completely tobacco-free.

This website has been established to provide as much information as possible to ensure the tobacco-free initiative is implemented effectively and efficiently. Please feel free to use the comment section to send the committee your thoughts and suggestions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the policy go into effect?

Sept. 1, 2010, to coincide with the beginning of the 2010–11 academic year.

What does tobacco-free mean for UW-Stout?

Smoking or use of any tobacco product is not permitted in any facility or on the grounds of UW-Stout. This includes property that is “owned or controlled” by UW-Stout, which includes parking lots and sidewalks. A map of where the policy is in effect can be found here.

Who is affected by the policy?

The policy applies to every person on the UW-Stout campus, including students, faculty, staff, visitors, volunteers, contractors and service representatives.

What products are included in the policy?

The policy adopted by the university states: "'Tobacco free' is an environment in which there is no use of lighted cigarettes, cigars, pipes or other smoking materials. The term also includes smokeless tobacco products which result in expectorant."

Is anyone required to quit using tobacco?

No, although there are health benefits for doing so. This policy simply means that no one can use tobacco products on the UW-Stout campus.

What resources are available for quitting?

The UW-Stout Counseling Center has resources for faculty and staff, through the Employee Assistance Program, and for students. Contact the center at 715-232-2468. Student Health Services also offers resources for students. Contact them at 715-232-1314. The state of Wisconsin sponsors the Wisconsin Quit Line that offers strategies and coaching for quitting, along with free medications. Contact the quit line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. In addition, personal health care providers can offer resources for quitting.

What is the enforcement strategy?

The entire UW-Stout community is responsible for enforcement of this policy. It is hoped that there will be voluntary compliance by all students, faculty, staff and visitors. If someone is using a tobacco product on the UW-Stout campus, a gentle reminder of the tobacco-free policy should take care of the problem. Furthermore, the policy says, "Violations will be handled like other work rule or policy violations."

How should I deliver that "gentle reminder" of the tobacco-free policy?

The following are suggested scripted messages individuals are encouraged to say when they see someone violating the policy:

Example No. 1

Situation: You see a person using tobacco products on UW-Stout property.

Response: "Hello, my name is _______, and I am an (employee, student) here at UW-Stout. I want to make you aware that we are now a tobacco-free campus … meaning that tobacco products are prohibited on our grounds. We would appreciate if you would not use tobacco products while visiting our campus. Thank you for your cooperation."

Example No. 2

Question: "Where am I allowed to smoke?"

Response: "Smoking and other tobacco products are not allowed anywhere on the UW-Stout campus. This is a new policy, meant to promote better health in our students and employees. If you need to smoke or use tobacco products, you will need to leave the campus."

Why are there no designated smoking areas on campus?

Designated smoking areas are not consistent with the policy. UW-Stout's tobacco-free policy is intended to create a healthy environment to live, work and learn. Smoking areas send a message that tobacco use is acceptable. Designated smoking areas also create confusion and are a compliance challenge. In fact, rarely do people comply with designated smoking areas.

Resources

Cessation Information

Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line » Supports Wisconsin's "quit line." Smokers can talk to a friendly quit coach who will send a free two-week supply of quit-tobacco medications, plus help develop strategies on how to quit.

My Last Dip » A free web-based intervention that is designed to help young smokeless tobacco users quit.

Kill the Can » Offers free resources and tools to help dip, snuff and chewing tobacco users quit. Along with useful information, it offers a support forum and a live quit chat room.

Become an Ex » The EX plan teaches how to re-learn life without cigarettes in three steps—all geared to help make the seemingly impossible possible.

Freedom from Smoking ® Online Program » Online program from the American Lung Association consisting of seven modules, each containing four lessons, to assist in quitting tobacco. Participants are also encouraged to participate in message boards to give and receive support as they go through the quit process.